Florida Gators working on securing major transfer portal coup that will launch Jon Sumrall’s approval rating sky high

After re-signing running back Jadan Baugh, Jon Sumrall is getting closer to brining Jayden Woods back to the Florida Gators.

Tyler Forness — NFL & College Football News Writer
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Nov 15, 2025; Oxford, Mississippi, USA; Florida Gators linebacker Jayden Woods (15) reacts after a pass break up during the fourth quarter against the Mississippi Rebels at Vaught-Hemingway Stadium.
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This transfer portal window has been an interesting one for the Florida Gators.

Head coach Jon Sumrall came to Gainesville with a long list of things on his to-do list. The top five things were all retaining the best players:

The first four players have already made their decisions known. Sumrall finished with a 3-1 retention record, as only Lagway chose the transfer portal. The other player to pick the portal was Woods, but Florida isn’t out of it yet.

Jon Sumrall is going all-out to retain Jayden Woods

Sumrall isn’t resting on his laurels when it comes to trying to retain Woods. Sumrall led a meeting with Woods that included multiple staff members on Tuesday, according to 247 Sports. Because of that, Woods is seriously considering staying.

Just two days earlier, on Monday, Jan. 5, On3 Sports’ Pete Nakos reported the Gators weren’t out of it in retaining Woods.

“Coming off a Texas visit, sources have told On3 that Florida is working to bring Woods back into the fold,” Nakos explained. “The Gators held a Zoom call with his camp on Sunday night, and head coach Jon Sumrall could potentially take a trip to meet with him in person.”

Getting Woods back would be huge, especially with how many players have left the defensive line. Caleb Banks, George Gumbs Jr., and Tyreak Sapp are all entering the NFL Draft, and Michai Boireau just committed to the Ole Miss Rebels. As a true freshman, Woods registered 3.5 sacks and an interception against Ole Miss.

If Sumrall gets Woods to stay, that would be a massive coup and elevate them to a new level, with hopes of making the College Football Playoff.

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